Therapists in Washington, DC
Natalie Chaykin Pierce
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
Sammi Rosenfeld
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, DC LPC, MD LCPC, MSEd, CCTP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
Waitlist for new clients
Some of my specialities include anxiety and depression, chronic pain, ASD, ADHD, self-esteem, eating disorders, issues of identity and more.
I am a mental health and school counselor passionate about supporting the growth of children and young adults. I am experienced with both school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have also spent a lifetime in the world of professional dance and the creative arts. My experience in dance and the body highly influences my therapeutic lens. I view integration of body and mind through multi-sensory modalities as integral to client growth. I take an integrative approach to my work; in one session we may talk, play, draw, explore the sand tray, or move. Some moments may be more directive and some may be client-led.
Some of my specialities include anxiety and depression, chronic pain, ASD, ADHD, self-esteem, eating disorders, issues of identity and more.
I am a mental health and school counselor passionate about supporting the growth of children and young adults. I am experienced with both school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have also spent a lifetime in the world of professional dance and the creative arts. My experience in dance and the body highly influences my therapeutic lens. I view integration of body and mind through multi-sensory modalities as integral to client growth. I take an integrative approach to my work; in one session we may talk, play, draw, explore the sand tray, or move. Some moments may be more directive and some may be client-led.
Rachel Noble
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
My writing and presentations on topics such as resilience, anxiety management, chronic pain, and intimacy appear in outlets such as The Washington Post, AARP, and Inova Health Systems.
Please find more info at my website: noblepractice.com. I have unique experience working with people who struggle with complex medical concerns, chronic pain, and postpartum depression. About half of my clients fall into this category and the other half are struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck in life.
My writing and presentations on topics such as resilience, anxiety management, chronic pain, and intimacy appear in outlets such as The Washington Post, AARP, and Inova Health Systems.
Please find more info at my website: noblepractice.com. I have unique experience working with people who struggle with complex medical concerns, chronic pain, and postpartum depression. About half of my clients fall into this category and the other half are struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck in life.
Jennifer L Pauk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
Safoura Moraveji
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20004 (Online Only)
Safoura Moraveji is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1988. Safoura's most current work has focused primarily on adults experiencing major life transitions such as divorce, family, career moves, and illness. After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with her master’s degree in social work, Safoura turned her attention toward psychoanalytic psychotherapy and studies in Gestalt-Existential psychotherapy. Her specialized focuses include working with adults who suffer from severe mood and panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
Safoura Moraveji is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1988. Safoura's most current work has focused primarily on adults experiencing major life transitions such as divorce, family, career moves, and illness. After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with her master’s degree in social work, Safoura turned her attention toward psychoanalytic psychotherapy and studies in Gestalt-Existential psychotherapy. Her specialized focuses include working with adults who suffer from severe mood and panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Laurel Wade
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Dr. Wade specializes in health psychology, particularly the areas of chronic pain, adjustment to chronic illness or injury, weight management, weight loss surgery counseling, disordered eating, body image concerns, and implementing health-promoting lifestyle changes. Dr. Wade practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and positive psychology approaches, capitalizing on the strengths of each individual to form a collaborative and holistic treatment plan.
Dr. Wade specializes in health psychology, particularly the areas of chronic pain, adjustment to chronic illness or injury, weight management, weight loss surgery counseling, disordered eating, body image concerns, and implementing health-promoting lifestyle changes. Dr. Wade practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and positive psychology approaches, capitalizing on the strengths of each individual to form a collaborative and holistic treatment plan.
Sarah S. Berger
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
Therapy is often about change - changing oneself or parts of one's life. Taking steps towards change requires tremendous courage, but many people find the rewards of this process well worth the effort. A supportive, helpful guide can go a long way towards making productive changes and that is where I come in. Support is my primary role; my secondary role is to help individuals identify thoughts or behaviors that are limiting progress in one's life. In addition to helping with a wide range of common symptoms like stress, anxiety, depression, I specialize in health psychology (coping with illness).
Therapy is often about change - changing oneself or parts of one's life. Taking steps towards change requires tremendous courage, but many people find the rewards of this process well worth the effort. A supportive, helpful guide can go a long way towards making productive changes and that is where I come in. Support is my primary role; my secondary role is to help individuals identify thoughts or behaviors that are limiting progress in one's life. In addition to helping with a wide range of common symptoms like stress, anxiety, depression, I specialize in health psychology (coping with illness).
Annie Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
In my practice, I help teens and adults work through problems with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
Are you lying in bed at night with racing thoughts? Do you have trouble letting go of stress from your day? Are you having trouble falling asleep or do you wake up multiple times overnight? Are you replaying old memories from the past? Or maybe you have had chronic pain for years and you can't find relief. If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, I am glad you're here. Dealing with these problems can be challenging but you can heal if you have the right tools. I use clinically proven techniques like EMDR, CBT for insomnia, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and other brain-based strategies.
In my practice, I help teens and adults work through problems with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
Are you lying in bed at night with racing thoughts? Do you have trouble letting go of stress from your day? Are you having trouble falling asleep or do you wake up multiple times overnight? Are you replaying old memories from the past? Or maybe you have had chronic pain for years and you can't find relief. If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, I am glad you're here. Dealing with these problems can be challenging but you can heal if you have the right tools. I use clinically proven techniques like EMDR, CBT for insomnia, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and other brain-based strategies.
Rebeca Rios
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
Carissa L Strohecker Hannum
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I have a special interest working with individuals with chronic pain, life transitions, and grief/loss.
Welcome, I truly believe that therapy is a brave and courageous choice. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and safe environment for each client that chooses to work with me. I have a special expertise working with both adolescents and adults with mood disorders. Our relationship will be used as an element of change. Often, I will utilize aspects of our relationship to highlight barriers to change and provide a warm and directive approach to push you towards growth. My approach within our therapeutic relationship tends to be more collaborative and I commonly use interventions including mindfulness, CBT, DBT and attachment theory.
I have a special interest working with individuals with chronic pain, life transitions, and grief/loss.
Welcome, I truly believe that therapy is a brave and courageous choice. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and safe environment for each client that chooses to work with me. I have a special expertise working with both adolescents and adults with mood disorders. Our relationship will be used as an element of change. Often, I will utilize aspects of our relationship to highlight barriers to change and provide a warm and directive approach to push you towards growth. My approach within our therapeutic relationship tends to be more collaborative and I commonly use interventions including mindfulness, CBT, DBT and attachment theory.
Gwyneth Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20012
ACT, CFT, and FAP have demonstrated efficacy for depression, generalized anxiety/panic disorder, OCD, substance abuse, chronic illness, gender/sexual identity issues and eating disorders.
I am committed to providing effective, empirically tested, affordable treatment. My approach is honest, collaborative, interactive, and nonjudgmental. Often in life we buy into stories about ourselves that seem to protect us but ultimately prevent us from moving toward the things we value. We get caught up in judging whether a behavior is good or bad, rather than asking if it is effective in creating the life that we envision.
ACT, CFT, and FAP have demonstrated efficacy for depression, generalized anxiety/panic disorder, OCD, substance abuse, chronic illness, gender/sexual identity issues and eating disorders.
I am committed to providing effective, empirically tested, affordable treatment. My approach is honest, collaborative, interactive, and nonjudgmental. Often in life we buy into stories about ourselves that seem to protect us but ultimately prevent us from moving toward the things we value. We get caught up in judging whether a behavior is good or bad, rather than asking if it is effective in creating the life that we envision.
15 Second Videos
Jennifer L Pauk
Safoura Moraveji
Annie Miller
Haley Lipton
Eva Chiriboga
Emily Jenkins
Noëlle Opsahl
Ince Counseling
Maury L. Joseph
Kimberly Wilson
Lauren Fadem
Emily Harter
Elizabeth Melnikoff
Debra Cruz Counseling, LLC.
Bloom Counseling - Liz Caritj
Rose Love Smith
Magnolia Mental Health DC
Madelaine Claire Weiss
Anita Gadhia-Smith
Kara Peters Veigas
Women's InnerFitness & Wellness Center, LLC
Jill Weber
Laura Place
Thomas I Knedler
Dana Harron
Christopher Shea
Relationship Consultants
Jennifer Hamady
Nun Sava-Siva Amen-Ra
Tricia Ryan Counseling PLLC
Drea Renzelli- EMDR Intensive Therapy
Biyang Wang
Sonia Dhaliwal
Stella Center Chicago- SGB, TMS & Ketamine Therapy
Katy Cribbs
Chelsey Barrios Foster
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment difficulties, ADHD, emotion dysregulation, coping with health issues and chronic illness, and stress-related disorders across the lifespan. I also specialize in women’s mental health and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I further specialize in working with college students and young adults (20's and 30's) through life transitions and identity development. In addition, I consult with parents to develop strategies to support their children, and enact lasting change in the home.
I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment difficulties, ADHD, emotion dysregulation, coping with health issues and chronic illness, and stress-related disorders across the lifespan. I also specialize in women’s mental health and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I further specialize in working with college students and young adults (20's and 30's) through life transitions and identity development. In addition, I consult with parents to develop strategies to support their children, and enact lasting change in the home.
Angela M Snyder
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Often when people come to see me, they have been experiencing the pain and challenges of life much more than the pleasure, and they desire to feel better and enjoy life more fully. I have worked with men and women who experience this pain in many forms, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, grief, or the aftermath of trauma. In addition, I am very interested in working with people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. I have worked extensively with immigrants, first generation citizens, international students and professionals, and people who identify as multicultural or a person of color.
Often when people come to see me, they have been experiencing the pain and challenges of life much more than the pleasure, and they desire to feel better and enjoy life more fully. I have worked with men and women who experience this pain in many forms, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, grief, or the aftermath of trauma. In addition, I am very interested in working with people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. I have worked extensively with immigrants, first generation citizens, international students and professionals, and people who identify as multicultural or a person of color.
Dr. Shondolyn Sanders
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20011 (Online Only)
I have experience in treating adults & adolescents with a range of mental health and medical challenges, including sexual trauma, anxiety/depression, relationship stress, self-esteem, chronic pain & insomnia.
Have you been considering seeking help from a mental health professional? Or maybe you’ve decided to give therapy another try. The foundation of an effective therapeutic relationship begins with finding a therapist with whom you have a good fit and connection. I will meet you with compassion and empathy, while also guiding you towards self-exploration and increased awareness. I believe that we navigate life and view the world through a lens influenced by our society and culture. I will support you in your process of becoming more of the person you want to be and help you commit to actions that align with your desired goals.
I have experience in treating adults & adolescents with a range of mental health and medical challenges, including sexual trauma, anxiety/depression, relationship stress, self-esteem, chronic pain & insomnia.
Have you been considering seeking help from a mental health professional? Or maybe you’ve decided to give therapy another try. The foundation of an effective therapeutic relationship begins with finding a therapist with whom you have a good fit and connection. I will meet you with compassion and empathy, while also guiding you towards self-exploration and increased awareness. I believe that we navigate life and view the world through a lens influenced by our society and culture. I will support you in your process of becoming more of the person you want to be and help you commit to actions that align with your desired goals.
Dr. David Keuler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20010 (Online Only)
Years of experience often matter when people are anxious or otherwise distraught. For 25 years, I have specialized in the cognitive-behavioral (CBT) treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as well as a range of anxiety and depressive disorders in late adolescents and adults. These disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Illness Anxiety Disorder as well as persistent depression. I frequently work with relationship challenges, stressful life circumstances, and a broad range of outpatient mental health issues. I see clients in DC, MD, VA and nationally in all participating PsyPact states.
Years of experience often matter when people are anxious or otherwise distraught. For 25 years, I have specialized in the cognitive-behavioral (CBT) treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as well as a range of anxiety and depressive disorders in late adolescents and adults. These disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Illness Anxiety Disorder as well as persistent depression. I frequently work with relationship challenges, stressful life circumstances, and a broad range of outpatient mental health issues. I see clients in DC, MD, VA and nationally in all participating PsyPact states.
Liz McLaughlin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
I also have specialized training in health psychology and can help you manage health concerns like chronic pain, sleep issues, and maladaptive eating patterns.
I offer an individualized therapy experience based on modern, evidence-based practices. Your goals may include exploring identity issues, managing life transitions, improving the quality of your relationships, or something else; I look forward to hearing your unique story. I use cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, and motivational enhancement-based strategies. We’ll start with a thorough assessment of what is troubling you. We’ll collaborate on identifying what is working for you and what is not, and test new strategies you can use to cope more effectively. All along, I’ll provide a safe setting where you can work things out.
I also have specialized training in health psychology and can help you manage health concerns like chronic pain, sleep issues, and maladaptive eating patterns.
I offer an individualized therapy experience based on modern, evidence-based practices. Your goals may include exploring identity issues, managing life transitions, improving the quality of your relationships, or something else; I look forward to hearing your unique story. I use cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, and motivational enhancement-based strategies. We’ll start with a thorough assessment of what is troubling you. We’ll collaborate on identifying what is working for you and what is not, and test new strategies you can use to cope more effectively. All along, I’ll provide a safe setting where you can work things out.
Christopher Barry Hill
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20003
Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse/Addiction, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, Phobias Social Anxiety, Couples/Marital Issues, Adjustment Disorders Personality Disorders, Child/Parenting, Family Issues, Medical Illness, PTSD, TBI, Panic Attacks, Psychosis, Anger, Chronic Pain.
*Now Accepting Tele-therapy Clients* Do you find yourself feeling sad, anxious, unhappy with life circumstances? Are you having relationship difficulties, feel stress from work, or have a child experiencing difficulties? I offer comprehensive assistance to change and work through many of life's challenges. If you find yourself suffering from any of these situations, or if you do not feel quite like yourself, let us help you begin on the road to improvement by addressing patient concerns, including but not limited to the following:
Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse/Addiction, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, Phobias Social Anxiety, Couples/Marital Issues, Adjustment Disorders Personality Disorders, Child/Parenting, Family Issues, Medical Illness, PTSD, TBI, Panic Attacks, Psychosis, Anger, Chronic Pain.
*Now Accepting Tele-therapy Clients* Do you find yourself feeling sad, anxious, unhappy with life circumstances? Are you having relationship difficulties, feel stress from work, or have a child experiencing difficulties? I offer comprehensive assistance to change and work through many of life's challenges. If you find yourself suffering from any of these situations, or if you do not feel quite like yourself, let us help you begin on the road to improvement by addressing patient concerns, including but not limited to the following:
Robyn Osborn Pashby
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015
, binge/emotional eating), chronic pain, diabetes management, as well as the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
If your eating feels out of control or you just want to call a truce between loving your body while also working to be healthier, my team can help. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space to address these & other health/wellness concerns is our goal. We work simultaneously on practical, behavioral strategies to address your current eating/weight struggles as well as explore their root causes (biological, psychological, social & more). Years of dieting, pre/post surgery, medications, & all other histories are welcome. We are gentle, direct, & compassionate. With support, encouragement & evidence-based treatment, you can feel better.
, binge/emotional eating), chronic pain, diabetes management, as well as the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
If your eating feels out of control or you just want to call a truce between loving your body while also working to be healthier, my team can help. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space to address these & other health/wellness concerns is our goal. We work simultaneously on practical, behavioral strategies to address your current eating/weight struggles as well as explore their root causes (biological, psychological, social & more). Years of dieting, pre/post surgery, medications, & all other histories are welcome. We are gentle, direct, & compassionate. With support, encouragement & evidence-based treatment, you can feel better.
Cheryl Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Does it feel like you are surrounded by darkness? Perhaps you've experienced the death of someone close to you. Or perhaps you're facing a life-threatening illness, or anxiety is keeping you stuck in an unsatisfying lifestyle. My goal is to help you find peace and purpose in every possible life transition and challenge. I want to work with you to uncover any negative patterns that may be getting in the way of your best life. Together, we will develop and implement a plan that will allow you to achieve your goals. A rich, full, satisfying life is possible. We can get there together.
Does it feel like you are surrounded by darkness? Perhaps you've experienced the death of someone close to you. Or perhaps you're facing a life-threatening illness, or anxiety is keeping you stuck in an unsatisfying lifestyle. My goal is to help you find peace and purpose in every possible life transition and challenge. I want to work with you to uncover any negative patterns that may be getting in the way of your best life. Together, we will develop and implement a plan that will allow you to achieve your goals. A rich, full, satisfying life is possible. We can get there together.
Danielle Miro
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-Rp
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015 (Online Only)
When your body is in distress, your mind and mood suffer. Whether you want to address your weight, pain, disordered eating, stress, living with a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, or adjusting to a new medical condition, I can help. I also support care partners of those with chronic illness. As a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist, I emphasize a holistic approach to well-being and support people in leading a values-filled life that recognizes personal strengths, reduces shame and promotes self-compassion, encourages collaboration, and meets you where you are non-judgmentally.
When your body is in distress, your mind and mood suffer. Whether you want to address your weight, pain, disordered eating, stress, living with a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, or adjusting to a new medical condition, I can help. I also support care partners of those with chronic illness. As a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist, I emphasize a holistic approach to well-being and support people in leading a values-filled life that recognizes personal strengths, reduces shame and promotes self-compassion, encourages collaboration, and meets you where you are non-judgmentally.
See more therapy options for Washington
Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.